According to statistics, there were 137,498 new electric vehicles sold in the UK, which is around 14% of the entire car market. Therefore, as more and more drivers are converting to electric vehicles, it is important that there is enough electric vehicle charging facilities across major industries and transportation. So, what about airports?

 

Find out what considerations need to be taken in regard to electric vehicle charging, what airports currently have charging stations and how portable chargers can help here. 

Why Do Airports Need Electric Vehicle Chargers?

Parking brings in more money for airports than any other non-airline source. Airport parking generally costs as much per hour as parking spaces in city centres, if not more. Additionally, visitors at airports stay far longer than visitors at other commercial car parks. One survey claims that 30% of airport parkers remain longer than 24 hours, but that long-term parking occupies around 70% of airport space at any given moment.

 

This all means that electric vehicle charging has the ability to increase revenue for various businesses, including the airports themselves and/or whoever owns the car park. Certain EV drivers may be more willing to drive to an airport if they know they can add range once parked; whether this is dropping someone off or flying themselves.

 

Due to the increased car park occupancy, customers are more likely to pay higher hourly or long-term prices for the right to use the electricity provided whilst there. For this, airports can impose hourly fees at the stations in addition to or in place of the regular parking prices.

Which Level of Charge is Needed?

As drivers who leave their car may be gone for longer periods of time, Level 1 charging facilities should be implemented. These can last up to 8 hours and are much cheaper to provide for both drivers and the electric company.

 

Although Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers should also be available, airports should consider starting off with Level 1 to discover the demand for these electric vehicle chargers. 

Where Should Charging Stations Be Installed?

The majority of airport charging stations are found in commercial car parks. Parking access is conveniently provided via hourly or daily lots. The typical short-term parking consumer usually parks for 1-3 hours and favours closeness and convenience. 

 

While a three-hour charge with a Level 1 charger is a good top-off, it is insufficient to significantly increase an EV’s range. For these areas, Level 2 or Level 3 chargers make the most sense.

Which Airports Have Electric Vehicle Charging?

Whilst they still are increasing in popularity, there are several airports that currently offer electric vehicle chargers. These are:

 

• • Aberdeen 
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol 
  • Cardiff 
  • Gatwick 
  • Heathrow 
  • Leeds Bradford 
  • Liverpool
  • Luton
  • Newcastle
  • Southampton

 

Portable EV Chargers

However, even when there are electric vehicle charging stations available, there are usually hidden catches with these. This includes having to bring your own charger, off-airport charging bays only, not being able to pre-book and maximum stays.

 

Instead, why not consider hiring your own portable EV charger? This way, the driver gets complete control of how long you charge and where. You may experience charge rage if you arrive at the airport and there are no available bays. That’s why, if you carry your own charger, this is a worry no more!

Elite Electric Vehicle Charging 

Elite EV Charge provides electric vehicle charging solutions for vehicles across the UK. Whether this is for destination charging for locations such as hotels or BnBs, or high-profile events like music festivals. Find out more about our electric vehicle chargers and how they can benefit you here. 

 

For more information on our electric vehicle charging services, fill in our form here. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and best-selling electric vehicles.